Orthodontist in Delray Beach, FL: Braces, Invisalign & Family Orthodontic Care
August 20, 2026
If you are searching for an orthodontist in Delray Beach, Florida, choosing the right practice is an important decision. Orthodontic treatment often lasts 12 to 24 months, with appointments approximately every six to eight weeks. During that time, you want to feel confident not only in your treatment plan, but also in the orthodontist who will be overseeing your care.
Families in Delray Beach have many options for braces and Invisalign. Some orthodontic offices are part of large multi-location groups where patients may see different doctors throughout treatment. Some general dental practices also offer clear aligners. Others are private specialty orthodontic practices where one orthodontist personally plans and supervises treatment from the first consultation through the final retainer visits.
At Parsons Orthodontics, Dr. Tetyana Parsons provides personalized orthodontic care for children, teenagers, and adults from Delray Beach and throughout Palm Beach County.
Our office is conveniently located on South Jog Road in Lake Worth, a straightforward drive north for many Delray Beach families.
Here is what you should know when choosing an orthodontist near Delray Beach.
Key Takeaways
- An orthodontist is a dental specialist. Orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of full-time specialty residency training after dental school, focusing specifically on tooth movement, jaw growth, facial development, and bite correction.
- Board certification represents an additional professional achievement. Dr. Tetyana Parsons is a board-certified orthodontist through the American Board of Orthodontics.
- Braces and Invisalign can both produce excellent results, but the best option depends on your individual bite. A comprehensive examination and appropriate diagnostic records are necessary before recommending treatment.
- Children should receive an orthodontic evaluation by approximately age seven. Early evaluation does not necessarily mean early treatment.
- Adults are not too old for orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved successfully at almost any age.
- Parsons Orthodontics offers complimentary orthodontic consultations for Delray Beach patients, including photographs, a panoramic x-ray, and a comprehensive examination.
What Does an Orthodontist Actually Do?
When searching for an orthodontist in Delray Beach, it is helpful to understand the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist.
Both professionals attend dental school, but an orthodontist completes additional specialty training devoted exclusively to diagnosing and treating problems involving tooth position, jaw relationships, facial growth, and the bite.
Orthodontist vs. General Dentist
Every orthodontist begins as a dentist. After completing dental school, however, an orthodontist continues with an additional two to three years of full-time specialty residency training devoted specifically to orthodontics.
During this residency, orthodontists receive extensive training in:
- Tooth movement and biomechanics
- Bite correction
- Jaw growth and facial development
- Braces and clear-aligner treatment
- Impacted and missing teeth
- Complex orthodontic diagnosis
- Treatment planning for children, teenagers, and adults
General dentists receive broad training in overall oral health, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. For many general dentists Invisalign education may consist of short continuing-education or manufacturer-sponsored training courses, which can sometimes be completed over a weekend or a series of brief courses. This is fundamentally different from an orthodontist's two to three years of full-time postgraduate specialty training.
The difference is especially important because successful orthodontic treatment involves much more than making the front teeth look straight. The orthodontist must evaluate how the teeth fit together, how the upper and lower jaws relate to one another, the position of the roots and supporting bone, facial growth, and how moving one tooth may affect the rest of the bite.
This becomes particularly important in cases involving:
- Severe crowding
- Significant overbite or underbite
- Crossbite or open bite
- Impacted teeth
- Congenitally missing teeth
- Uneven jaw growth
- Complex tooth movements
- Previous orthodontic relapse
- Treatment involving implants or restorative dentistry
Clear aligners such as Invisalign are simply one orthodontic appliance. The expertise lies not in the aligner itself, but in the doctor's ability to diagnose the problem, design the tooth movements, recognize when those movements are not progressing as planned, and modify treatment appropriately.
If you are comparing providers for Invisalign or braces near Delray Beach, an important question to ask is:
Is the doctor a specialist in orthodontics, and did the doctor complete a full-time accredited orthodontic residency after dental school?
Why Board Certification Matters
Board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics is a voluntary credential beyond completing orthodontic specialty training.
Orthodontists who pursue board certification complete an additional evaluation process designed to assess orthodontic knowledge, diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical judgment, and treatment outcomes.
Dr. Tetyana Parsons is a board-certified orthodontist.
For patients searching for a board-certified orthodontist near Delray Beach, this provides another indication of Dr. Parsons' commitment to professional standards, continuing education, and high-quality orthodontic care.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
The Biology Behind Moving Teeth
Orthodontic treatment works because teeth are capable of moving gradually through the surrounding jawbone. Each tooth is supported within its socket by a periodontal ligament. When gentle, controlled orthodontic pressure is applied, the surrounding bone gradually remodels. Bone is resorbed in the direction the tooth needs to move, while new bone forms behind it. This biological process is why orthodontic treatment takes months rather than weeks. More force does not necessarily move teeth faster. Orthodontic treatment is most effective when forces are carefully controlled and teeth are moved gradually.
Whether treatment involves traditional braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign clear aligners, the biological principles of tooth movement remain the same.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Most comprehensive orthodontic treatment takes approximately 12 to 24 months.
Treatment length varies according to:
- Severity of crowding or spacing
- Complexity of the bite
- Age and growth
- Impacted or missing teeth
- Type of orthodontic appliance
- Amount of tooth movement required
- Patient cooperation
- Elastic wear
- Invisalign wear time
- Attendance at scheduled appointments
Limited orthodontic treatment for minor crowding or relapse may take considerably less time.
More complex treatment involving major bite correction, impacted teeth, significant crowding, or jaw-development concerns may take longer.
Patients can help keep treatment on schedule by following instructions carefully, attending appointments regularly, wearing elastics as directed, and wearing Invisalign aligners for the recommended number of hours each day.
Braces and Invisalign Options for Delray Beach Patients
Patients searching for braces in Delray Beach or Invisalign in Delray Beach have several orthodontic treatment options.
At Parsons Orthodontics, the treatment recommendation is based on the individual patient's bite, treatment goals, lifestyle, and clinical needs rather than automatically recommending the same appliance for everyone.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective and versatile orthodontic treatments available. Modern braces are significantly smaller and more comfortable than many adults remember from childhood.
Metal braces can treat a wide range of orthodontic conditions, including:
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Deep bites
- Open bites
- Crossbites
- Overbites
- Rotated teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Complex tooth movements
Because braces remain attached to the teeth throughout treatment, they do not depend on the patient remembering to wear an appliance every day.
Metal braces are also generally the most economical fixed orthodontic option.
Ceramic Clear Braces
For patients who prefer braces that are less noticeable, ceramic braces are clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend more naturally with the teeth.
Ceramic braces can be especially appealing to:
- Adults
- Professionals
- College students
- Older teenagers
- Patients who prefer fixed treatment but want a more discreet appearance
Ceramic braces function similarly to traditional braces while providing a more aesthetic appearance. They may require slightly more attention to hygiene and generally cost a little more than traditional metal braces.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces function similarly to traditional braces but use a built-in clip to hold the orthodontic wire instead of elastic ties.
Dr. Parsons selects orthodontic appliances according to the needs of each individual patient.
Invisalign Clear Aligners Near Delray Beach
For patients searching for Invisalign near Delray Beach, clear aligners offer a discreet and removable alternative to braces. Invisalign uses a customized series of clear plastic aligners to gradually reposition the teeth.
Invisalign may be appropriate for many cases involving:
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Orthodontic relapse
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Mild to moderate bite discrepancies
One of the primary advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Clear aligners are particularly popular among adults, teenagers, college students, and professionals who prefer a less visible orthodontic treatment option.
How Many Hours a Day Should Invisalign Be Worn?
For predictable tooth movement, Invisalign aligners should generally be worn approximately 20 to 22 hours per day.
The aligners only move the teeth while they are being worn.
Patients who remove their aligners frequently or do not follow the prescribed wear schedule may experience slower tooth movement and longer treatment.
Water can be consumed while aligners are in place. Other beverages should generally be consumed after removing the aligners to reduce the risk of staining, enamel damage, and cavities.
Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Not every orthodontic problem should wait until all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
For Delray Beach parents, an orthodontic evaluation around age seven provides an opportunity to identify developing problems while a child is still growing.
Does My Seven-Year-Old Need Braces?
Usually, no.
An orthodontic evaluation at age seven does not mean that every child should begin braces or another orthodontic treatment immediately.
Many children evaluated at this age require only observation.
However, certain conditions may benefit from treatment while growth is still occurring.
These may include:
- Anterior crossbite
- Posterior crossbite
- Severe crowding
- Narrow upper jaw
- Protruding front teeth
- Significant jaw-growth discrepancies
- Premature loss of baby teeth
- Delayed eruption
- Impacted teeth
- Thumb-sucking habits
- Tongue thrust
- Mouth breathing
When early treatment is appropriate, it is often referred to as Phase I orthodontic treatment.
Palatal Expanders
A palatal expander may be recommended when a child's upper jaw is too narrow.
Expansion can help improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws while the child is still growing.
In selected cases, expansion may also:
- Correct a posterior crossbite
- Create additional room for permanent teeth
- Reduce severe crowding
- Improve the eruption path of developing teeth
- Reduce the likelihood of certain teeth becoming impacted
Timing is important because some types of expansion are more easily accomplished before skeletal growth is complete.
Space Maintainers and Other Early Appliances
When a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected, a space maintainer may be used to preserve the opening for the permanent tooth that will eventually erupt.
Other appliances may be recommended to address growth-related bite problems or harmful oral habits.
The goal of early treatment is not simply to straighten baby teeth. When Phase I treatment is recommended, it should address a problem that may be easier to correct while a child is still growing.
Orthodontic Care at Every Age
Orthodontics for Children
Children benefit from timely orthodontic evaluation even when treatment is not immediately required.
Monitoring growth and dental development allows the orthodontist to determine whether intervention is needed and, when it is, to select the most appropriate time.
At Parsons Orthodontics, children who do not yet need treatment can be monitored periodically until the ideal treatment window.
Orthodontics for Teenagers
The teenage years remain one of the most common times to begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
At this stage:
- Most permanent teeth have erupted
- Growth may still assist certain bite corrections
- Comprehensive treatment can usually be completed efficiently
- Multiple aesthetic treatment options are available
Teenagers may be candidates for:
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic clear braces
- Invisalign
- Hybrid orthodontic treatment
The best option depends on the teenager's bite, treatment complexity, lifestyle, and ability to comply with treatment instructions.
Orthodontics for College Students
College students often worry that orthodontic treatment will be difficult to coordinate with school.
With proper planning, treatment can often be scheduled around:
- Semester breaks
- Holidays
- Summer vacations
- Internships
- Study-abroad programs
- Travel between home and campus
Invisalign may work particularly well for responsible college students because some appointment intervals can be longer than with traditional braces.
However, patients still need to wear aligners consistently and return for scheduled progress evaluations.
At Parsons Orthodontics, we work with college students and families to create appointment schedules that are realistic and practical.
Adult Orthodontist Near Delray Beach
If you are searching for an adult orthodontist near Delray Beach, age alone should not prevent you from considering treatment.
Adults can successfully receive braces or Invisalign in their:
- 30s
- 40s
- 50s
- 60s
- 70s and beyond
Healthy teeth can respond to orthodontic forces throughout adulthood.
Adults often seek orthodontic care because they:
- Never had braces as children
- Experienced orthodontic relapse
- Stopped wearing retainers
- Developed crowding over time
- Want to improve their smile
- Need teeth repositioned before implants, crowns, or veneers
- Have bite problems affecting dental treatment
Adult orthodontics requires careful evaluation of the teeth, gums, bone, and existing dental work.
Existing crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, missing teeth, and periodontal conditions must all be considered when designing the treatment plan.
Dental implants cannot be orthodontically moved, so their location must be incorporated carefully into treatment planning.
What to Expect at Your First Orthodontic Consultation
Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation for Delray Beach Patients
Your first orthodontic consultation at Parsons Orthodontics is complimentary.
The consultation generally includes:
- Facial photographs
- Intraoral photographs
- A panoramic x-ray
- A comprehensive orthodontic examination by Dr. Parsons
- Discussion of your concerns
- Review of possible treatment options
- Estimated treatment timeline
- Review of orthodontic fees
- Insurance-benefit information
- Financing options
Please plan to spend approximately one hour with us for your initial consultation. A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation considers much more than the appearance of the front teeth.
Dr. Parsons assesses:
- How the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Available space for the teeth
- Jaw relationships
- Facial proportions
- Tooth eruption
- Root positions
- Supporting bone
- Developing permanent teeth in children
- Existing restorations in adults
These diagnostic records help us determine whether orthodontic treatment is needed and which approach is most appropriate.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Plan
Following the examination, Dr. Parsons will explain:
- What orthodontic concerns are present
- Whether treatment is currently recommended
- Whether treatment should be delayed
- Which treatment options are appropriate
- Which options may not be appropriate and why
- Estimated treatment time
- Treatment fees
- Insurance benefits
- Payment options
Patients are encouraged to understand their diagnosis and treatment options before making a decision. There is no obligation to begin treatment at the consultation. If treatment is not currently necessary, we will recommend observation rather than starting unnecessarily. For growing children, this may mean returning periodically so that we can monitor jaw growth and eruption of the permanent teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment Cost Near Delray Beach
How Much Do Braces and Invisalign Cost?
There is no single orthodontic fee that applies to every patient. The cost of braces or Invisalign depends primarily on the complexity and expected length of treatment.
Factors affecting orthodontic fees may include:
- Amount of crowding
- Amount of spacing
- Complexity of bite correction
- Number of teeth being treated
- Expected treatment duration
- Need for additional appliances
- Whether treatment is limited or comprehensive
- Type of braces
- Clear-aligner treatment
- Phase I treatment
- Coordination with other dental specialists
A limited case requiring several months of treatment will generally cost less than a comprehensive case requiring significant bite correction and two years or more of active care. Ceramic braces and certain customized aesthetic options may cost a little more than traditional metal braces.
All anticipated orthodontic fees are discussed before treatment begins.
Orthodontic Insurance and Financing
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces or Invisalign?
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit. However, orthodontic insurance works differently from routine dental coverage. Many plans provide a lifetime orthodontic maximum for each eligible family member rather than an annual orthodontic benefit. For example, if a plan has a $1,500 orthodontic lifetime maximum, the plan may contribute up to $1,500 toward eligible orthodontic treatment over that individual's lifetime. Actual benefits depend on the specific policy.
Coverage may be affected by:
- Age limitations
- Lifetime orthodontic maximum
- Waiting periods
- Whether the plan remains active
- Contracted orthodontic fees
- Type of orthodontic treatment
- Previous orthodontic benefits used
Our team will verify available orthodontic benefits and explain the estimated insurance contribution before treatment begins.
HSA, FSA, and Payment Plans
Orthodontic treatment is generally eligible for payment through an HSA or FSA.
Parsons Orthodontics also offers flexible payment options, including:
- In-house interest-free financing
- HSA and FSA payments
- CareCredit
- LendingPoint
- Payment in full
Our goal is to make orthodontic costs transparent and provide payment arrangements that work for different family budgets.
How to Choose the Best Orthodontist in Delray Beach
When searching online for the best orthodontist in Delray Beach, reviews and photographs can be helpful, but they should not be the only factors considered.
The relationship with your orthodontist may continue for several years, including retention visits after active treatment ends.
Questions to Ask an Orthodontist
Consider asking:
- Is the doctor a specialist in orthodontics?
- Is the orthodontist board certified?
- Will the same orthodontist see me throughout treatment?
- Who designs my treatment plan?
- Which treatment options are appropriate for my case?
- Why are you recommending this particular treatment?
- Are x-rays and diagnostic records taken before treatment is recommended?
- How often will I need appointments?
- What happens if I miss an appointment?
- Are retainers included in the treatment fee?
- What follow-up is provided after treatment?
- What happens if treatment takes longer than expected?
- How are orthodontic emergencies handled?
- Who will answer questions between appointments?
A good orthodontic consultation should leave you feeling informed rather than pressured.
Signs You May Want to Ask More Questions
Consider asking additional questions if:
- Treatment is recommended before appropriate diagnostic records are reviewed
- You are pressured to begin treatment immediately
- A large discount expires the same day
- It is unclear which orthodontist will supervise your treatment
- You routinely see different doctors
- Retention is barely discussed
- Total fees are unclear
- Additional charges are not explained
- Treatment recommendations focus only on straightening the front teeth without discussing the bite
None of these factors necessarily means that a practice provides poor treatment, but patients should feel comfortable asking for clarification before committing.
Retainers and Long-Term Orthodontic Follow-Up
Straight teeth do not automatically remain straight forever. After braces or Invisalign treatment is completed, teeth naturally have some tendency to shift. This is called orthodontic relapse. The tissues surrounding the teeth require time to reorganize after active tooth movement. Teeth can also continue to change throughout life because of:
- Aging
- Growth
- Tooth wear
- Changes in the bite
- Gum conditions
- Natural biological forces
Retainers help maintain the corrected tooth positions.
How Long Should I Wear My Retainer?
Most patients initially wear their retainers full time and then transition to nighttime wear. Long-term nighttime retainer wear is generally recommended indefinitely. Retention is a lifelong commitment to maintaining your orthodontic results, rather than something that ends after the first year.
Retainers also need to be replaced periodically. Over time, they can stretch, wear down, crack, or lose their ability to hold the teeth as effectively. It is not realistic to expect a single retainer to last a lifetime.
How long a retainer lasts varies from patient to patient. Habits such as teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, can cause retainers to wear out more quickly and may require more frequent replacement. How carefully a retainer is handled, cleaned, stored, and protected from heat or damage also affects its lifespan.
At Parsons Orthodontics, post-treatment follow-up visits allow us to monitor:
- Retainer fit
- Tooth position
- Bite stability
- Orthodontic relapse
- Signs that a retainer is becoming worn or needs replacement
Patients should contact our office promptly if a retainer:
- Breaks
- Cracks
- Is lost
- Stops fitting properly
- Suddenly feels unusually tight
- Becomes uncomfortable
A retainer that no longer fits properly may indicate that the teeth have started to move. Addressing a small change early is usually much easier than correcting significant relapse later.
Why Delray Beach Families Choose Parsons Orthodontics
Parsons Orthodontics is a private, boutique-style orthodontic practice serving Delray Beach and Palm Beach County.
Our practice model is intentionally focused on personalized orthodontic care and continuity.
Dr. Parsons personally:
- Performs the orthodontic examination
- Creates the treatment plan
- Reviews diagnostic records
- Monitors treatment progress
- Evaluates tooth movement
- Supervises treatment adjustments
- Oversees retention
Patients are not routinely transferred between multiple orthodontists or assigned to whichever doctor happens to be available that day.
Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment Options
Our treatment options include:
- Metal braces
- Ceramic clear braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Invisalign
- Invisalign First
- Phase I orthodontic treatment
- Palatal expanders
- Space-maintaining appliances
- Comprehensive adolescent orthodontics
- Adult orthodontics
- Limited orthodontic treatment
- Hybrid orthodontic treatment
- Retainers and long-term follow-up
Offering multiple treatment approaches allows Dr. Parsons to recommend treatment according to the individual patient's needs rather than relying on a single appliance system.
Personalized Orthodontic Care
We believe patients should understand:
- What their orthodontic problem is
- Why treatment is recommended
- Which treatment options are available
- Why one option may be preferable to another
- How long treatment is expected to take
- What treatment will cost
- What insurance may contribute
- What is required to maintain the result
Our team also emphasizes communication and accessibility.
When you call Parsons Orthodontics, you speak with a member of our local office team rather than an outside call center.
Orthodontist Near Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Wellington
Parsons Orthodontics is located at:
6169 S. Jog Road, Suite A4
Lake Worth, FL
Our central Palm Beach County location makes us convenient for patients traveling from:
- Delray Beach
- Boynton Beach
- Lake Worth
- Wellington
- Greenacres
- Royal Palm Beach
- West Palm Beach
For Delray Beach patients, our office is located directly north along the Jog Road corridor, making it convenient for families who want a private orthodontic practice while remaining close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Delray Beach
Is there a board-certified orthodontist near Delray Beach?
Yes. Dr. Tetyana Parsons is a board-certified orthodontist serving patients from Delray Beach and throughout Palm Beach County.
Parsons Orthodontics is located at 6169 S. Jog Road, Suite A4, in Lake Worth, just north of Delray Beach.
How far is Parsons Orthodontics from Delray Beach?
Parsons Orthodontics is conveniently located on South Jog Road in Lake Worth.
For many Delray Beach families, the office is a straightforward drive north on Jog Road.
After the initial consultation, most routine orthodontic appointments are relatively brief and generally occur every six to eight weeks, depending on the patient's treatment plan.
Do you offer Invisalign for Delray Beach patients?
Yes.
Parsons Orthodontics offers Invisalign treatment for children, teenagers, college students, and adults when clear aligners are appropriate for the patient's bite.
The complimentary consultation allows Dr. Parsons to determine whether Invisalign, braces, or another orthodontic approach will provide the most predictable result.
Do you offer clear braces?
Yes.
Ceramic clear braces provide many of the treatment advantages of traditional braces while being considerably less noticeable.
They are particularly popular among adults and older teenagers.
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by approximately age seven.
This does not mean that braces should begin at seven.
Many children simply return periodically so their growth and dental development can be monitored.
Does my child need a referral from the dentist?
No.
A referral is not required to schedule an orthodontic consultation at Parsons Orthodontics. Parents may contact our office directly. We are also happy to communicate and coordinate treatment with your child's dentist or pediatric dentist.
Am I too old for braces or Invisalign?
No.
Adults can successfully undergo orthodontic treatment at almost any age, provided their teeth, gums, and supporting bone are healthy. Adult orthodontic treatment can involve traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, or a combination of approaches.
Do you accept orthodontic insurance?
Parsons Orthodontics accepts many dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits.
Our team can verify your available orthodontic benefits and explain:
- Your orthodontic lifetime maximum
- Estimated insurance contribution
- Age restrictions
- Eligibility
- Expected out-of-pocket cost
Call 561-429-5414 to have your orthodontic benefits reviewed.
Can I transfer to Parsons Orthodontics if I already have braces or Invisalign?
Yes.
Patients transfer orthodontic treatment for many reasons, including moving, attending college, insurance changes, or wanting to continue care with another orthodontist.
Before accepting a transfer case, Dr. Parsons will perform an examination, review available treatment records, and obtain any necessary diagnostic information.
Transfer fees and remaining treatment time depend on the condition of the case at the time of the evaluation.
How much does an orthodontic consultation cost?
The initial orthodontic consultation at Parsons Orthodontics is complimentary.
It includes photographs, a panoramic x-ray, and a comprehensive examination with Dr. Parsons.
You will also receive information about treatment options, estimated treatment time, fees, insurance benefits, and payment options.
How do I schedule an orthodontic consultation near Delray Beach?
You can contact Parsons Orthodontics directly to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation.
Parsons Orthodontics
6169 S. Jog Road, Suite A4
Lake Worth, FL
Phone: 561-429-5414
Ready to Schedule Your Free Consultation?
If you're looking for an orthodontist who serves Delray Beach with personalized, attentive, family-focused care, we'd love to meet you. Your first visit is complimentary and includes photos, a panoramic x-ray, and a thorough evaluation with no pressure to begin treatment. Call us at 561.429.5414 or request an appointment online. Let us design your beautiful smile.
